Frictional band

ABSTRACT

A frictional band, and methods of making and using a frictional band. The apparatus includes a base material in the form of an elongated band having a first side and a second side. The band further includes a thickness of base material between the first side of the base material and the second side of the base material. The base material further has a first end and a second end, and a first edge and a second edge. The base material has a width measured between the top edge and the bottom edge. The apparatus further includes a first frictional layer formed on the first side of the base material and fixedly attached thereto. The apparatus also includes a second frictional layer formed on the second side of the base material fixedly attached thereto. The apparatus includes a first fastener fixedly attached to the first end of the base material.

BACKGROUND

Modern clothing is typically worn during a variety of circumstances, some easygoing and others difficult or stressful. Attempting to maintain a well-groomed and orderly appearance can turn into a challenge as one rushes through the obligations of life. However, one often seeks to look well-dressed regardless of circumstances. In particular, people commonly experience situations where meeting demands of modern life results in untucked shirts or tops that do not present someone at their best. Finding a way to reduce this problem while comfortably navigating modern life can thus provide an advantage, or reduce stress related to wardrobe malfunctions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood as illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a shirt or top article of clothing.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an outfit including a shirt and pants.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first side of a band in an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second side of the band of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates the band of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of part of the band of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates application of a band to an article of clothing in an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a fastener for a band in an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a fastener for a band in an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a fastener for a band in an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a process of producing a band.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a process of producing a band.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a process of producing a band.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a band.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an outfit utilizing a band.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of another outfit utilizing a band.

FIG. 17 illustrates yet another embodiment of the process of making a restraining band or strap.

FIG. 18A illustrates yet another embodiment of a frictional band.

FIG. 18B illustrates a back side of the band of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 illustrates the band of FIG. 18A in a contracted state.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a frictional band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system, method and apparatus is provided for a frictional band. The specific embodiments described in this document represent exemplary instances of the present invention, and are illustrative in nature rather than restrictive.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

Keeping a shirt or other top article of clothing tucked into a bottom article of clothing may be accomplished through use of a band or strap functioning as a belt worn under the bottom article of clothing. The belt in such embodiments can frictionally engage the top article of clothing, holding it in place, while being hidden by the bottom article of clothing. This may ultimately allow one to engage in activity which would tend to cause a shirt to come untucked, while still maintaining a desired neat and tidy appearance.

Methods and apparatuses providing various embodiments of a frictional band, and methods of making and using a frictional band are presented. In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a base material in the form of an elongated band having a first side and a second side. The band further includes a thickness of base material between the first side of the base material and the second side of the base material. The first side of the base material is opposite the second side of the base material. The base material further has a first end and a second end, with the first end opposite the second end. The base material further has a first edge and a second edge, with the first edge opposite the second edge, The base material has a width measured between the top edge and the bottom edge. The apparatus further includes a first frictional layer formed on the first side of the base material and fixedly attached thereto. The apparatus also includes a second frictional layer formed on the second side of the base material fixedly attached thereto. The apparatus includes a first fastener fixedly attached to the first end of the base material.

In another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a length of material for a restraining band. The method further includes applying a first frictional layer at discrete intervals to a first side of the restraining band. The method also includes applying a second frictional layer at discrete intervals to a second side of the restraining band. The method includes adding a fastener to the restraining band.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes putting on a top article of clothing. The method also includes applying a restraining band to the top article of clothing in a position below an expected bottom article of clothing. The method also includes putting on a bottom article of clothing over at least a portion of the top article of clothing and over the entire restraining band.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a shirt or top article of clothing. Shirt 100 is button-down shirt including shirt body 110, sleeves 120, placket 130, collar 140 and front panels 150A and 150B. Parts of shirt body 110, particularly front panels 150A and 150B, and a backside (not shown), have a tendency to become untucked when worn during the normal course of a day. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an outfit including a shirt and pants. Outfit 200 includes pants 210 and shirt 100 with shirt 100 tucked into pants 210. Belt 220 threads through belt of pants 210 and helps hold outfit 200 together. As shown, part of shirt body 110 has come untucked as frequently happens during regular use. This represents a common problem encountered when wearing top articles of clothing such as shirts, blouses and other items meant to be tucked into a bottom article of clothing.

Providing a band which may be used to hold a shirt in place can occur in a variety of ways. FIG. 3 illustrates a first side of a band in an embodiment. Band 300 includes a base layer 310, frictional elements 320, and a fastener 350. Frictional elements 320 are shown attached to a top side or first side of base layer 310. Additionally, frictional elements 320 are spaced out any relatively regular pattern along base later 310. Frictional elements 320 may form a first frictional later. FIG. 4 illustrates a second side of the band of FIG. 3. Bottom side 430 of base layer 310 is shown with frictional elements 440 attached to the bottom side 430. Frictional elements 440 are similarly spaced out along bottom side 430. Likewise, frictional elements 440 can collectively form a second frictional layer.

FIG. 5 illustrates the band of FIG. 3 in a perspective view. FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of part of the band of FIG. 3. The perspective view of FIG. 5 and the close-up view of FIG. 6 provide further illustration of the band 300. For example, in FIG. 6, frictional elements 320 are shown on the top side of band 300. Moreover, frictional elements 440 are shown on the bottom side of band 300 and frictional elements 440 are staggered from frictional elements 320 in the illustration of FIG. 6. In other embodiments, frictional elements 440 may lineup with functional elements 320 providing a thicker band at those points.

Use of the band or other embodiments of a band or strap with an outfit may allow one to maintain a desired appearance during a hectic day. FIG. 7 illustrates application of a band to an article of clothing in an embodiment. As shown, outfit 700 includes a shirt 710 and pants 740. Shirt 710 includes a lower edge 720 which is held in place with the band 730. Band 730 is worn around shirt 710 above lower edge 720, and inside pants 740. Thus, band 730 holds or restrains shirt 710, aiming to keep it from coming untucked during normal use. Pants 740 is shown with dashed lines to allow better illustration of band 730 and lower edge 720. An optional belt is not shown with pants 740 in FIG. 7.

A variety of different types of fasteners may be used to secure a band in place. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a fastener for a band in an embodiment. Band 800 has a female side snap fastener 820 on the band 800 at one end and a male side snap fastener or stud side fastener 810 at the other end of band 800. Female snap fastener 820 may be at a first end of band 800, for example and male snap fastener 810 may be on a second end of band 800, for example. Also, band 800 illustrates a continuous frictional layer, rather than a frictional layer made up of discrete parts as illustrated with respect to FIG. 3, for example. Moreover, band 800 may be made with a single frictional layer on a first side of a base material, but no second frictional layer on a second side of the base material. This approach may be used for both continuous and discrete frictional layers.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a fastener for a band in an embodiment. Band 900 has at a first end, belt buckle 910 and at a second end, through holes 920. Buckle 910 may engage with holes 920 individually to secure the band 900 in place.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a fastener for a band in an embodiment. Band 1000 includes first hook and loop fastener 1010 at a first end and second hook and loop fastener 1020 at a second end. The hook and loop fasteners 1010 and 1020 may mate together to hold band 1000 in place. An example of hook and loop fasteners are those marketed under the brand-name Velcro™. Other types of fasteners may be used as well.

One may produce a band or strap in a variety of different ways. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a process of producing a band. Base material 1105 is shown as a starting point 1110. Next base material 1105 is shown as part of band 1120 which also includes frictional material 1115. Frictional material 1115 is attached to base material 1105 at discrete intervals along the length of base material 1105. Band 1130 is shown with base material 1105, frictional material 1115 and frictional material 1125 shown. Frictional material 1125 is attached to a second side of base material 1105. As shown, frictional material 1125 is staggered from frictional material 1115. However in some embodiments frictional material 1125 may be lined up directly with first frictional material 1115. Band 1140 is shown with base material 1105, frictional material 1115 and frictional material 1125 attached thereto, along with a fastener at 1145 attached at end 1155 of base material 1105. The illustrated fastener 1145 is a loop for ring fastener, which may be a circular or D-ring, for example. Fastener 1145 may frictionally engage with a portion of base material 1105 and one or more parts of frictional material 1115 or 1125 to securely hold band 1140 in place. Alternatively, a second ring (second fastener) may be attached to engage with the fastener 1145 in some embodiments. Additionally, one may skip band 1130 and create a form of band 1140 (not shown) which has frictional material on only a single side of base material 1105.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a process of producing a band. Process 1200 and other processes of this document are implemented as a set of modules, which may be process modules or operations designed to fulfill the parts of the process, or some combination of the various types of modules, for example. The modules of process 1200 and other processes described herein may be rearranged, such as in a parallel or serial fashion, and may be reordered, combined, or subdivided in various embodiments.

At module 1210, the process initiates, such as with provision of base material. At module 1220, a first side of the base material is coated with a frictional material either in a continuous or discrete fashion. At module 1230, a second side of the base material is coated with the frictional material, also either in a continuous or discrete fashion. At module 1240, the material is cut to a predetermined length to provide a band. Then at module 1250, a fastener or multiple fasteners are attached or otherwise included in the band. For example, hook and loop fasteners may be glued or sewn on to the band, snap fasteners may be attached to the band, rings or belt buckles may be attached to a band, and through holes may be pierced through a band.

In various processes and embodiments, frictional material is referred to as coated on a base material. While coating is referred to in the text, this is intended to refer to a variety of options for placing material on another material, such as by coating, screening, printing, spraying, painting, or otherwise causing the coated material to be somehow applied to the base material.

Various materials can be used in the embodiments described herein. The base material may be an elastic material, or a fabric with stretching or elastic properties, for example. Various elastic materials are commercially available, and provide potential base materials. Most materials that can be used as the starting point of fabric belts have potential as base materials for such a band. Moreover, elastic or stretchable material is not required, and durable fabric that is relatively inelastic may be used as well. Some examples of elastic material that have been shown to work or are expected to work in various embodiments include Polyester Elastic Braid, Knit Elastic made from Polyester Yarn, or Natural Latex Rubber. Non-Roll elastic, polyester and/or Polyester Woven Elastic may also form an effective base material.

The frictional material may be formed from a variety of different starting points as well. For example, plastisol inks may be used to print frictional material on a base material. Plastisol inks that have a foam expanding property may be particularly useful, as they may provide a thicker frictional surface after completion of the band. Polymer materials and epoxy materials may be used to create frictional materials as well.

Frictional layers may also be added to a base layer as an additional fabric layer or applied as a continuous layer. Thus, one may adhere a frictional layer to the base layer rather than coating a frictional layer on the base layer. This may result in a continuous layer such as that shown in FIG. 8, for example, or a layer with discrete frictional spots such as that shown in FIG. 3, for example.

Whether a frictional layer is created as an adhered layer or applied (e.g. printed and cured), the use of thin materials such as elastic and the option to control the thickness of applied layers allow for a thinner overall band than one might make from a band formed of a single material or from bands formed from thicker starting materials, for example. In some embodiments, one may choose to create frictional layers which are as thick or thicker than the base material, providing for greater frictional engagement with a top article of clothing. In other embodiments, one may take advantage of the flexibility of the available materials to provide a thinner base material or a thinner frictional layer, and thereby provide for a thinner overall band. Moreover, most embodiments are shown with a first frictional layer and a second frictional layer, one on each side of a base material. However, one can also provide a single frictional layer on one side of the base material. This may further allow for a thin band, at the expense of some flexibility of the resulting band.

In some embodiments, it is preferable that the base material be relatively non-porous, having no or minimal holes through the base material. This will tend to reduce stress and a tendency to fray, cut or break. Thus, in some embodiments, fasteners that do not pierce the base material, or only pierce the base material in small areas as a result of sewing may be preferable. Moreover, in some embodiments, the frictional material engages with the top article of clothing (and possibly the bottom article of clothing) as a result of the raised surface of the frictional material relative to the base material. In such embodiments, the frictional layer should be of a similar thickness or height to the base material, and may be thicker than the base material.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of a process of producing a band, such as through use of the materials discussed above. Module 1310 initiates the process such as by providing base material. At module 1320, frictional material is placed on a first side of the base material, either in a continuous or discrete fashion, providing a first layer or first coating of frictional material. At module 1325, frictional material is cured, which may thereby adhere it or fixedly attach the layer permanently to the base material. At module 1330, frictional material is placed on a second side of the base material, providing a second layer or second coating of frictional material. At module 1335, frictional material on the second side of the base material is cured. At module 1345, the strap or band is cut, resulting in a predetermined length of base material with frictional material on both sides. At module 1350, a fastener or fasteners are attached to the band. At module 1360 the finished band is inspected for defects in need of rework or scrapping of the band. One may also skip modules 1330 and 1335, or skip module 1230 of FIG. 12 to form a band with a single side having frictional material.

With the band produced, it may then be used to hold an outfit together. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a band. Process 1400 illustrates an embodiment of using a restraining band. At module 1410, a top article of clothing is put on the body, such as a shirt or blouse. At module 1420, the restraining band is put round the top article of clothing below a waist line or below where a bottom article of clothing is expected to cover up the top article of clothing. At module 1430, the band is fastened, thereby restraining the top article of clothing. At module 1440, the bottom article of clothing us put on the body covering the restraining band and the bottom of the top article of clothing. A belt may be added to the bottom article of clothing thereafter, for example.

One may further understand the band as it is used in illustrations of outfits. FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an outfit utilizing a band. Outfit 1500 shows a shirt worn with a restraining band 1510 holding shirt 100 in place. As is apparent, pants 210 cover the bottom of shirt 100 and restraining band 1510. FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of another outfit utilizing a band. An alternative outfit may be worn where shirt 100 is worn with restraining band 1610 holding it in place and the bottom article of clothing in question is skirt 1620. Skirt 1620 covers the bottom of shirt 100 and restraining band 1610. Restraining band 1610 then keep shirt 100 from untucking from skirt 1620 in outfit 1600.

One may also produce a band with a predetermined length of material as a starting point, rather than producing long stretches of material which must be cut later. FIG. 17 illustrates yet another embodiment of the process of making a restraining band or strap. Process 1700 initiates with module 1710 at which a predetermined length of base material is used as a starting point for the process. At module 1720, a first side of the base material is coated with a frictional substance either in a continuous or a discrete fashion. At module 1730, a second side of the base material is coated with a frictional layer. Since the process started with a predetermined length of material, at module 1740, fasteners or a single fasteners are attached to the band, thereby completing the band.

Other embodiments of a frictional band may be used as well. FIG. 18A illustrates yet another embodiment of a frictional band. Band 1800 includes a base layer 1810 (shown from a top side), frictional elements 1820, and a fastener (not shown). Frictional elements 1820 in this embodiment are provided using thread with frictional qualities, such as a rubber or polymer thread tending to have a somewhat rough or tacky surface. Additionally, base layer 1810 may be an elastic or other material which tends to self-compress when at rest. Thus, frictional elements 1820 may be sewn through base layer 1810.

FIG. 18B illustrates a back side of the band of FIG. 18A. Bottom side 1830 of base layer 1810 is shown with frictional elements 1820 sewn through to the bottom side 1830 from the top side of base layer 1810. Thus, frictional elements 1820 penetrate base layer 1810 and provide for friction on either side of belt 1800.

FIG. 19 illustrates the band of FIG. 18A in a contracted state. As can be seen, belt 1800, when made of a material that naturally contracts, tends to bunch up or gather. Alternatively, belt 1800 may be made of a base layer which does not naturally contract. If the frictional elements 1820 are made of a material which is sewn in under tension, then band 1800 will still tend to contract. However, if the frictional elements 1820 are also made of a frictional material which does not tend to contract, then the illustration of FIG. 18A will more clearly depict a band 1800 in such an embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a frictional band. As can be seen, band 2000 includes a base layer 2010 and a frictional element 2020. However, a single frictional element 2020 is provided. This design appears to show a double layer of stitching, but a single layer or strip may also be used. Additionally, multiple layers or sets of frictional elements may be incorporated as well. Also, since the stitching penetrates base layer 2010, the back side of band 2000 may be similar in appearance to the front side shown in FIG. 20.

In various embodiments the restraining band or strap provided may act as a belt worn under a lower article of clothing or second article of clothing to hold a top article of clothing or first article of clothing in place. The restraining band in the various embodiments provides for a simple manufacturing process and relatively inexpensive starting components. Moreover such a band or strap provides for ease-of-use by the user of such a band, thus making it potentially more attractive to the consumer.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that although specific examples and embodiments of the system and methods have been described for purposes of illustration, various modifications can be made without deviating from present invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be applied to many different types of clothing and may use many different types of materials. Moreover, features of one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, even where those features are not described together in a single embodiment within the present document. 

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A method, comprising: receiving a length of material for a restraining band; applying a first frictional layer at discrete intervals to a first side of the restraining band; applying a second frictional layer at discrete intervals to a second side of the restraining band; and adding a fastener to the restraining band.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein: applying the first frictional layer includes coating the first side of the restraining band with material of the first frictional layer, and curing the material of the first frictional layer; and applying the second frictional layer includes coating the second side of the restraining band with material of the second frictional layer, and curing the material of the second frictional layer;
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein: the length of material for the restraining band is precut to the length of the restraining band.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein: the length of material for the restraining band is part of a quantity of material much longer than a restraining band, and wherein the method further includes cutting the material into a predetermined length for the restraining band.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein: the fastener is D-ring.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein: the fastener is a loop.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein: the fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener, and the method further includes adding a mating hook-and-loop fastener to the restraining band. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 8, wherein a height of the first layer is at least as large as a thickness of the material and wherein a height of the second layer is at least as large as a thickness of the material.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first layer and the second layer are made of the same substance.
 20. The method of claim 8, wherein the first layer and the second layer are made of the same substance. 21-22. (canceled)
 23. An apparatus, comprising: a base material in the form of an elongated band having a first side and a second side and a thickness of base material between the first side of the base material and the second side of the base material, the first side opposite the second side, the base material further having a first end and a second end, the first end opposite the second end, the base material further having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge opposite the second edge, the base material having a width measured between the top edge and the bottom edge; a first frictional layer formed on the first side of the base material and fixedly attached thereto; a second frictional layer formed on the second side of the base material fixedly attached thereto; and a first fastener fixedly attached to the first end of the base material.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: a second fastener fixedly attached to the second end of the base material. 25-27. (canceled)
 28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the first fastener is a ring having a circular shape.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the first fastener is a ring having a D-shape.
 30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein: the first fastener is a ring having a D-shape and the second fastener is a ring having a D-shape.
 31. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein: the first fastener is a ring having a circular shape and the second fastener is a ring having a circular shape.
 32. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the first frictional layer and the second frictional layer are formed from the same substance.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein: the substance of the first frictional layer and the second frictional layer is different from the base material. 34-45. (canceled)
 46. An apparatus, comprising: a base material in the form of an elongated band having a first side and a second side and a thickness of base material between the first side of the base material and the second side of the base material, the first side opposite the second side, the base material further having a first end and a second end, the first end opposite the second end, the base material further having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge opposite the second edge, the base material having a width measured between the top edge and the bottom edge; a first frictional layer formed on the first side of the base material and fixedly attached thereto; and a first fastener fixedly attached to the first end of the base material. 47-49. (canceled) 